GOP presidential hopefuls dash for cash

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The question observers ask as the third-quarter fundraising deadline nears is who will raise more money: U.S. presidential hopeful Mitt Romney or Rick Perry.

Republican insiders say they think both men will clear $10 million by the Friday deadline but how much more is unclear, Politico reported Monday.

While former Massachusetts Governor Romney and Texas Governor Perry may capture most of the attention, other campaign filings with the Federal Election Commission will be closely viewed for signs of vitality.

Observers told the Washington publication Perry's report -- coming off a less-than-stellar debate performance and a loss in the Florida GOP straw poll -- will be more closely watched than others as he tries to remind the party why he could mount a formidable challenge.

Asked if Perry will clear $10 million, Perry's chief strategist Dave Carney said he hoped so.

A source familiar with Romney's third-quarter fundraising told Politico the campaign would post a "strong" number but said there was "no way" it would reach or top the $18 million raised in the previous reporting period.

Rep. Michele Bachmann's campaign could have some serious money issues later, but wouldn't be in the red when the filing becomes public in mid-October, sources told Politico.

One campaign employee said the Minnesota Republican's third-quarter report would show less than the $4 million she reported in the second quarter.

Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, backed by a strong base and a solid finish in the Iowa straw poll, has been able to maintain a steady flow of contributions, primarily from online contributors, Politico reported. A Paul official said the campaign expected to bring in as much as $5 million.